MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed infielder Mike Victor and right-handed pitcher Griffin Bailey for the 2008 season.
Victor, 24, hit .243 with five doubles and seven home runs as a rookie with the Miners in 2007. He posted an impressive .538 average in 13 pinch hit at bats. After starting the season at third base in place of an injured Chris Hall, he went on to play six different positions including designated hitter.
“Mike played a number of important roles for us last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He is a big, strong guy who showed power, and as a pinch hitter in critical spots for us, he was tremendous. Mike is a quality guy and a quality player. We are glad to have him back with us.”
Bailey appeared in 15 games, eight of them as a starter, for the Miners in 2007. He finished the season ranked third on the team in strikeouts (45) and fourth on the team in innings pitched (56.0). The 24-year-old former Louisville Cardinal signed with the Houston Astros after college, and recorded a 4.50 ERA in one season with the Astros organization.
“Griffin has a live arm with better than average velocity,” Pinto said. “He worked hard on his mechanics and his approach last season. We believe that Grif has the ability to help this staff this season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Miners
Miners
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
MINERS SIGN TOP ILLINI PITCHER
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have signed right handed pitcher Tanner Roark from the University of Illinois. Roark went 12-2 in his two seasons with the Illini.
The six-foot-two-inch righty was named to the All-Big Ten team when he posted an 8-2 record in 2007. His eight wins and 54.2 innings pitched both ranked second in the Big Ten last season. Roark, 21, will be eligible for the 2008 Major League First-Year Player Draft, which is scheduled for June 5 and 6.
“Tanner is coming here to highlight his skills before the major league draft this June,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can have an above 90 (miles per hour) fastball with good sink. Tanner is a battler and is very mentally tough on the mound. He will be a great addition to the staff.”
A native of Wilmington, Ill., Roark led Wilmington High School to state championships in 2003 and 2005. He was named the MVP of the tournament in both years.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
The six-foot-two-inch righty was named to the All-Big Ten team when he posted an 8-2 record in 2007. His eight wins and 54.2 innings pitched both ranked second in the Big Ten last season. Roark, 21, will be eligible for the 2008 Major League First-Year Player Draft, which is scheduled for June 5 and 6.
“Tanner is coming here to highlight his skills before the major league draft this June,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can have an above 90 (miles per hour) fastball with good sink. Tanner is a battler and is very mentally tough on the mound. He will be a great addition to the staff.”
A native of Wilmington, Ill., Roark led Wilmington High School to state championships in 2003 and 2005. He was named the MVP of the tournament in both years.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Friday, March 7, 2008
MINERS DEAL SIMON FOR INFIELDER ROTH
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have acquired infielder Tony Roth from the Evansville Otters in exchange for first baseman Scott Simon and a player to be named later.
Roth hit .378 with a .439 on base percentage in 10 games with the Otters in 2007. The former Yankees prospect spent the majority of the 2007 season with the Texas Rangers organization where he advanced as high as Triple-A.
“Tony is the definition of a ‘gamer’,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can play excellent defense at multiple positions on the infield, and he plays the game all-out all the time. His ability to hit to all fields and his strike zone discipline gives us a lot of options. We really liked what we saw in him on the field against us at the end of last season. He is a great addition to the Miners lineup and I believe he has the skills to be an all-star caliber player for us.”
At Creighton University, Roth hit .322 over his four-year career with a .411 on base percentage before signing with the Yankees. He was twice named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, an All-MVC Tournament selection in 2005 and Freshman of the Year in 2002. In 2007 he was named to the All-Time MVC Team along with fellow Miner Drew Moffitt.
Simon hit .264 for the Miners in 2007. He played in 62 games and his time was spent between DH and first base. It was the former Northern Illinois Husky’s first season in professional baseball.
“With Tim Dorn coming back from the Cardinals and Joey Metropoulos returning,” Pinto said, “it left Scott without a position here. I really wanted to find him a place to play every day. He is a wonderful young man and a very good hitter. I am proud that he wore our uniform and our entire coaching staff wishes him well.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Roth hit .378 with a .439 on base percentage in 10 games with the Otters in 2007. The former Yankees prospect spent the majority of the 2007 season with the Texas Rangers organization where he advanced as high as Triple-A.
“Tony is the definition of a ‘gamer’,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He can play excellent defense at multiple positions on the infield, and he plays the game all-out all the time. His ability to hit to all fields and his strike zone discipline gives us a lot of options. We really liked what we saw in him on the field against us at the end of last season. He is a great addition to the Miners lineup and I believe he has the skills to be an all-star caliber player for us.”
At Creighton University, Roth hit .322 over his four-year career with a .411 on base percentage before signing with the Yankees. He was twice named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, an All-MVC Tournament selection in 2005 and Freshman of the Year in 2002. In 2007 he was named to the All-Time MVC Team along with fellow Miner Drew Moffitt.
Simon hit .264 for the Miners in 2007. He played in 62 games and his time was spent between DH and first base. It was the former Northern Illinois Husky’s first season in professional baseball.
“With Tim Dorn coming back from the Cardinals and Joey Metropoulos returning,” Pinto said, “it left Scott without a position here. I really wanted to find him a place to play every day. He is a wonderful young man and a very good hitter. I am proud that he wore our uniform and our entire coaching staff wishes him well.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN DREW MOFFITT
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed outfielder Drew Moffitt for the 2008 season. Moffitt joined the Miners for the final 18 games of the 2007 season and immediately made an impact, hitting .288 with eight extra base hits. It was his first season in professional baseball since 2005.
“Bringing Drew back is a big thing for us,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings another big power source to the middle of our lineup. With an off-season spent preparing to play baseball, I think Drew will have a big impact for us. He is a professional and brings a veteran approach to his efforts.”
Moffitt played his college baseball at Wichita State. In three seasons with the Shockers he hit .301 with 60 home runs and a .439 on base percentage. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in home runs for three consecutive years, was a two time All-MVC first team selection and was named to the MVC All-Centennial Team.
Moffitt was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the tenth round of the 2004 draft. In 75 games over two years with the O’s organization, he hit .258 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was released following the 2005 season and did not play in 2006.
After taking more than a year and a half away from the game, he joined the Havasu Heat to play in the NBC World Series. He hit .315 with three home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored for the national champion Heat. He was also named to the All-American team in 2007 before joining the Miners.
“The lineup is really starting to take shape with these important players returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “I can’t wait to get these guys on the field with Mike and get this season started.”
Moffitt enters the season with a one-year status with the Frontier League. He will turn 27 during the season so this will be his final year of eligibility in the league.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
“Bringing Drew back is a big thing for us,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings another big power source to the middle of our lineup. With an off-season spent preparing to play baseball, I think Drew will have a big impact for us. He is a professional and brings a veteran approach to his efforts.”
Moffitt played his college baseball at Wichita State. In three seasons with the Shockers he hit .301 with 60 home runs and a .439 on base percentage. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in home runs for three consecutive years, was a two time All-MVC first team selection and was named to the MVC All-Centennial Team.
Moffitt was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the tenth round of the 2004 draft. In 75 games over two years with the O’s organization, he hit .258 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was released following the 2005 season and did not play in 2006.
After taking more than a year and a half away from the game, he joined the Havasu Heat to play in the NBC World Series. He hit .315 with three home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored for the national champion Heat. He was also named to the All-American team in 2007 before joining the Miners.
“The lineup is really starting to take shape with these important players returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “I can’t wait to get these guys on the field with Mike and get this season started.”
Moffitt enters the season with a one-year status with the Frontier League. He will turn 27 during the season so this will be his final year of eligibility in the league.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN LITTLE
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed right-handed pitcher Chris Little for the 2008 season. Little went 8-8 with a 3.80 ERA in 2007 as he split time between the Miners and the Gateway Grizzlies.
“Chris has a live arm and is expected to be a solid member of this staff,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings experience and a very competitive, professional approach to the mound.”
The St. Louis native is entering his seventh season of professional baseball. He joined the Miners in late July when he was traded for left-handed pitcher Brian Logan, who is now with the White Sox organization. In nine appearances with the Miners, eight of them starts, he went 4-5 with a 4.44 ERA. He did not allow an earned run in his final 16.1 innings of the season. Included in that stretch was a complete game three-hit shutout.
“We found Chris to be a very hard worker and very coachable,” Pinto said. “He is on our off-season program now and we are looking at a big year for Chris.”
Little was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the 12th round of the 2001 draft. He spent one season in the Astros organization before signing with Gateway. He then pitched one season with the Montreal Expos affiliate in Vermont before rejoining the Grizzlies for two more seasons.
“It’s great to see so many important pieces of this team returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “Mike deserves a lot of credit for that. I’m looking forward to a great season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
“Chris has a live arm and is expected to be a solid member of this staff,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He brings experience and a very competitive, professional approach to the mound.”
The St. Louis native is entering his seventh season of professional baseball. He joined the Miners in late July when he was traded for left-handed pitcher Brian Logan, who is now with the White Sox organization. In nine appearances with the Miners, eight of them starts, he went 4-5 with a 4.44 ERA. He did not allow an earned run in his final 16.1 innings of the season. Included in that stretch was a complete game three-hit shutout.
“We found Chris to be a very hard worker and very coachable,” Pinto said. “He is on our off-season program now and we are looking at a big year for Chris.”
Little was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the 12th round of the 2001 draft. He spent one season in the Astros organization before signing with Gateway. He then pitched one season with the Montreal Expos affiliate in Vermont before rejoining the Grizzlies for two more seasons.
“It’s great to see so many important pieces of this team returning,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “Mike deserves a lot of credit for that. I’m looking forward to a great season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Interview with Drew Moffitt
Part 1 of getting to know the team. Thank you Drew for taking the time to anwser my questions. I look forward to interviewing as many of the Miners Player's as possible.
Do you have a family, i.e wife, children, ect.? No wife or kids. I do have a dog though. He is a year and a half old Brittany Spaniel. He is an awesome hunter and hopefully a field champion some day.
How long have you played baseball? I got into competitive baseball when I was 12. I was actually big into basketball before that.
Have you ever had any major injuires? I have had wrist surgery, shoulder surgery, and knee surgery. I am also recovering from a badly sprained ankle. I guess thats what I get for thinking I am Michael Jordan.
What are your Minor league professional stats? I am not really sure. I do know it wasn't enough at-bats, thanks Orioles!
What are you hobbies? I love to workout. I go to the gym five to six times a week and do not miss a day. I am also a big hunter, mainly deer and pheasants. Oh yeah, and I am also a HUGE Utah Jazz and Cleveland Browns fan.
What TV shows do you watch? I don't watch tv at all. Actually I don't even have cable. If the Jazz or Browns are on I will go to a bar and grill to watch the game.
Whats your favorite food? I eat extremly healthy in the off season, and try to as much as possible in season. Alot of fish, chicken, rice and vegetables.
What do you do in the offseason? Work with little league teams and give private hitting lessons.
What did you major in through college? Sports administration
What makes you better than the guy beside you? Nothing, he is my best friend. I don't think I am better than anyone,unless you challenge me in a sport or game.
Miner's players, please email me at minersblog@aol.com to be Interviewed by us, This gives the community and beyond a look inside of your life. I'm here to promote your playing and personal abilities as much as I can. Thank you, Dan
Do you have a family, i.e wife, children, ect.? No wife or kids. I do have a dog though. He is a year and a half old Brittany Spaniel. He is an awesome hunter and hopefully a field champion some day.
How long have you played baseball? I got into competitive baseball when I was 12. I was actually big into basketball before that.
Have you ever had any major injuires? I have had wrist surgery, shoulder surgery, and knee surgery. I am also recovering from a badly sprained ankle. I guess thats what I get for thinking I am Michael Jordan.
What are your Minor league professional stats? I am not really sure. I do know it wasn't enough at-bats, thanks Orioles!
What are you hobbies? I love to workout. I go to the gym five to six times a week and do not miss a day. I am also a big hunter, mainly deer and pheasants. Oh yeah, and I am also a HUGE Utah Jazz and Cleveland Browns fan.
What TV shows do you watch? I don't watch tv at all. Actually I don't even have cable. If the Jazz or Browns are on I will go to a bar and grill to watch the game.
Whats your favorite food? I eat extremly healthy in the off season, and try to as much as possible in season. Alot of fish, chicken, rice and vegetables.
What do you do in the offseason? Work with little league teams and give private hitting lessons.
What did you major in through college? Sports administration
What makes you better than the guy beside you? Nothing, he is my best friend. I don't think I am better than anyone,unless you challenge me in a sport or game.
Miner's players, please email me at minersblog@aol.com to be Interviewed by us, This gives the community and beyond a look inside of your life. I'm here to promote your playing and personal abilities as much as I can. Thank you, Dan
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN FORMER SALUKI STAR KOSKI
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners have re-signed centerfielder Kevin Koski for the 2008 season. The former Southern Illinois Saluki hit .297 as a rookie with the Miners in 2007, but after 25 games his season was cut short when he broke his hamate (wrist) bone in July. He underwent season-ending surgery.
“We project Kevin to be our leadoff man this season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He has a great eye at the plate along with great bat control. Kevin can impact a game with his speed and base running abilities. We expect he will be the table setter for our middle of the lineup guys. Kevin plays great defense and plays the game with abandon. It is great to have him back and healthy.”
While at SIU, Koski was a team captain and set a school record with a 36-game hitting streak that stretched over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Over his four-year college career, Koski hit .319 and stole 55 bases. While in college, he was named “best pure hitter,” “fastest runner” and “best plate discipline” in the Missouri Valley Conference by Baseball America. He also won first team All-MVC honors.
“Kevin is an exciting player, and we’re glad to see him return,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “Mike has done a great job bringing back so many of our key players from last season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
“We project Kevin to be our leadoff man this season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He has a great eye at the plate along with great bat control. Kevin can impact a game with his speed and base running abilities. We expect he will be the table setter for our middle of the lineup guys. Kevin plays great defense and plays the game with abandon. It is great to have him back and healthy.”
While at SIU, Koski was a team captain and set a school record with a 36-game hitting streak that stretched over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Over his four-year college career, Koski hit .319 and stole 55 bases. While in college, he was named “best pure hitter,” “fastest runner” and “best plate discipline” in the Missouri Valley Conference by Baseball America. He also won first team All-MVC honors.
“Kevin is an exciting player, and we’re glad to see him return,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “Mike has done a great job bringing back so many of our key players from last season.”
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Monday, February 25, 2008
MINERS RENEW RADIO DEAL WITH 97.7 THE BEAR
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners and Clear Channel Radio have renewed a deal that will have all 96 Miners games broadcast live on WQUL-FM 97.7 The Bear for the second year in a row.
“It was great for The Bear to be the flagship station for Miners games during the inaugural season,” Clear Channel General Manager Jerry Crouse said. “This is a successful partnership we hope to continue for years to come.”
Radio announcer Scott Gierman will call the play-by-play for every game as well as host the pre-game and post-game shows. It will be his first season as the voice of the Miners.
“The Bear’s coverage area perfectly matches the footprint of our fan base,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “We had tremendous listenership last season. It was unbelievable to walk into a restaurant and hear our games being played over the restaurant’s sound system.”
Miners fans can pick up The Bear on their radios from Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, and Williamson Counties.
The Miners open the season on the radio against the Gateway Grizzlies on May 21. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
“It was great for The Bear to be the flagship station for Miners games during the inaugural season,” Clear Channel General Manager Jerry Crouse said. “This is a successful partnership we hope to continue for years to come.”
Radio announcer Scott Gierman will call the play-by-play for every game as well as host the pre-game and post-game shows. It will be his first season as the voice of the Miners.
“The Bear’s coverage area perfectly matches the footprint of our fan base,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. “We had tremendous listenership last season. It was unbelievable to walk into a restaurant and hear our games being played over the restaurant’s sound system.”
Miners fans can pick up The Bear on their radios from Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, and Williamson Counties.
The Miners open the season on the radio against the Gateway Grizzlies on May 21. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
MINERS RE-SIGN METROPOULOS, TRADE FOR DIAZ
MARION, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Miners strengthened the right side of the infield this week. The Miners re-signed first baseman Joey Metropoulos for the 2008 season and acquired second baseman Jason Diaz from the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League in exchange for a player to be named later.
Metropolous hit .326 with 11 doubles, nine home runs and 32 RBI in only 39 games with the Miners in 2007. He joined the team in late July following his release from the Lansing Lugnuts, the Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Metropoulos started off strong with the Miners as he recorded a hit in 11 of his first 12 games and hit two home runs in his first week with the team.
The former USC Trojan really caught fire as the season ended, finishing the year on a 10-game hit streak. During that stretch he hit .475 with five home runs and 21 RBI and raised his season average from .250 to .326. Although he was only with the team for the final six weeks of the season, Metropoulos hit seven home runs at Rent One Park, more than anyone else.
“Joey is a big bat to return to the Miners lineup,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He really got comfortable here as last season went on. He is a real professional in how he plays the game. We found him to be excellent defensively and a great guy to have on the club. To add him to the middle of the order mix with Tim Dorn, Drew Moffitt and Brandon Jones is a big plus for us.”
“He can really hit,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said of Metropoulos. “He was a great pick up for us last season, and I’m looking forward to watching him hit here again this year.”
In 2007 Diaz spent his rookie season playing second base with the San Angelo Colts of the United League. The left-handed hitting Diaz hit .290 with 5 doubles and 12 RBI in 34 games. The Miners were left with an opening at second base since 2007 all-star second baseball Ralph Santana retired to become a coach with the Miners when he surpassed the Frontier League’s age limit of 27 following last season.
“Jason’s college coach told me about him last winter prior to his senior season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “But with Ralph at second base, it was better that Jason had a chance to go to San Angelo to get some at bats. He brings a lot of tools to the Miners. Jason has excellent base running speed, a controlled swing and an excellent feel for the strike zone. That should give him an opportunity to get on base often for us. He also played excellent defense last season.”
Jason played his college baseball at Texas Wesleyan University where he led the team in hitting with a .390 batting average. He also stole 39 bases in 43 attempts. He earned first team All-Red River Athletic Conference honors and was named Player of the Week on two occasions.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Metropolous hit .326 with 11 doubles, nine home runs and 32 RBI in only 39 games with the Miners in 2007. He joined the team in late July following his release from the Lansing Lugnuts, the Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Metropoulos started off strong with the Miners as he recorded a hit in 11 of his first 12 games and hit two home runs in his first week with the team.
The former USC Trojan really caught fire as the season ended, finishing the year on a 10-game hit streak. During that stretch he hit .475 with five home runs and 21 RBI and raised his season average from .250 to .326. Although he was only with the team for the final six weeks of the season, Metropoulos hit seven home runs at Rent One Park, more than anyone else.
“Joey is a big bat to return to the Miners lineup,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “He really got comfortable here as last season went on. He is a real professional in how he plays the game. We found him to be excellent defensively and a great guy to have on the club. To add him to the middle of the order mix with Tim Dorn, Drew Moffitt and Brandon Jones is a big plus for us.”
“He can really hit,” Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said of Metropoulos. “He was a great pick up for us last season, and I’m looking forward to watching him hit here again this year.”
In 2007 Diaz spent his rookie season playing second base with the San Angelo Colts of the United League. The left-handed hitting Diaz hit .290 with 5 doubles and 12 RBI in 34 games. The Miners were left with an opening at second base since 2007 all-star second baseball Ralph Santana retired to become a coach with the Miners when he surpassed the Frontier League’s age limit of 27 following last season.
“Jason’s college coach told me about him last winter prior to his senior season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “But with Ralph at second base, it was better that Jason had a chance to go to San Angelo to get some at bats. He brings a lot of tools to the Miners. Jason has excellent base running speed, a controlled swing and an excellent feel for the strike zone. That should give him an opportunity to get on base often for us. He also played excellent defense last season.”
Jason played his college baseball at Texas Wesleyan University where he led the team in hitting with a .390 batting average. He also stole 39 bases in 43 attempts. He earned first team All-Red River Athletic Conference honors and was named Player of the Week on two occasions.
The Miners home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. For the latest Miners news and updates, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A note to Miners Players
My email is minersblog@aol.com I get request all the time from former players you played with, friends, family, ect wanting to get in contact with you. If you would like me to forward these emails to you, drop me a line with your email address, Also let your family and friends know that my stats are live and up to date EVERY game, and they can rely on the Blog for any Information they need about the Southern IL. Miners. Thanks guys Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
